Doha, January 18 (QNA) - Qatar and Canada share deep-rooted and long-standing relations of friendship spanning more than half a century, grounded in mutual respect and shared interests. In recent years, these ties have continued to advance steadily, reflecting the two countries’ keenness to expand cooperation across a broad range of fields, alongside sustained coordination and consultation between their leaderships to open new horizons for bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment sectors.

In a move aimed at elevating bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, HE Prime Minister of Canada Dr. Mark Carney has embarked on a state visit to the State of Qatar, underscoring both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Bilateral relations have been further reinforced through reciprocal visits at various levels and continuous consultation on regional and international issues, in view of the shared values and visions of both countries in support of international peace and security, as well as their prominent role in providing humanitarian and development assistance at the global level.

The visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Canada in September 2024 marked a new chapter in bilateral relations, strengthening the partnership between the two countries across political, economic, educational, health, and military sectors. During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding on development cooperation was signed, paving the way for joint efforts in providing foreign aid, reducing poverty, and promoting economic empowerment, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition, Qatar, through the Education Above All Foundation (EAA), and Canada, through Global Affairs Canada, announced a joint commitment of USD 95 million to empower youth, with EAA pledging USD 40 million to support various initiatives.

The visit also highlighted the growing ties between Qatar and Canada, reinforced through discussions on global challenges, with both countries affirming their shared commitment to peace and stability.

Earlier, in March 2022, HE Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, made an official visit to Qatar, where she met with HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Notably, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, had been the first Qatari foreign minister to visit Canada in 2016.

The first round of political consultations between the two countries was held in Doha in May 2024, chaired on the Qatari side by HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi and on the Canadian side by Assistant Deputy Minister for Europe, Arctic, and the Middle East at Global Affairs Canada, Alexandre Leveque. The consultations reviewed bilateral cooperation and ways to strengthen it. In recent years, senior Canadian ministers and officials have made multiple visits to Doha, further deepening the partnership. 

Economically, Qatar ranks as Canada's third-largest trading partner in the Gulf region and eleventh in the Arab world. Earlier this January, the two sides agreed to establish a joint committee to serve as a permanent platform for economic dialogue, alongside the creation of a Qatar–Canada Business Council connecting the two countries' chambers of commerce. This initiative aims to strengthen engagement between business communities, identify investment opportunities, and support growth in trade and investment, with a focus on sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, infrastructure, agri-food, and aerospace.

In line with expanding commercial and investment ties, the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFC), the legal and tax division of QFC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024 with the Canada Arab Business Council (CABC), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing trade and investment relations between Canada and the Arab world. The MoU establishes a framework for ongoing cooperation and coordination in selected sectors through joint initiatives, information exchange, and strategic support.

Investment relations have also deepened, with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) acquiring 4% stake in Canadian company Ivanhoe Mines in September 2025. Additionally, QatarEnergy signed two agreements with ExxonMobil Canada to acquire exploration licenses for liquefied natural gas off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Bilateral trade includes Canadian exports to Qatar, such as metals, machinery, aircraft equipment, and grains, while Qatari exports to Canada comprise chemicals, fertilizers, raw aluminum, fuel extracts, and oils. Hundreds of joint ventures operate in Qatar, alongside major Canadian companies actively present in the Qatari market.

Educational and healthcare cooperation forms a key pillar in fortifying ties between the peoples of Qatar and Canada. Around 10,000 Canadians live and work in Qatar, particularly in the oil and gas, healthcare, and education sectors, reinforcing people-to-people links between the two nations. Long-standing educational and health partnerships further support these connections, with institutions such as the University of Calgary in Doha offering a bachelor's degree in nursing, alongside several schools in Doha following Canadian curricula for students at various levels. Regular flights also connect Doha with Toronto and Montreal, facilitating travel and exchange.

Canada's population exceeds 41.5 million, and its territory spans roughly 9,984,670 square kilometers, making it the second-largest country in the world by area. It ranks fourth globally in terms of natural resources and oil exports and holds the third-largest estimated oil reserves. The country is characterized by vast natural and climatic diversity and is among the world's leading producers and exporters of agricultural products, particularly wheat and grains. Canada also possesses abundant natural resources, including forestry products, oil and gas reserves in Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as minerals such as coal, copper, iron, gold, and nickel. These resources create significant opportunities for trade and collaboration, especially in energy, gas extraction and production, water treatment, and agricultural security.

Historically dubbed “The Bread Basket of the World” due to its agricultural abundance, Canada is also a global leader in scientific research and advanced industries. The country stands at the forefront of artificial intelligence research, hosts the world's largest green battery supply chain, and serves as a gateway for exports worldwide. It is the only G7 country with free trade agreements with all member states and is party to 14 other free trade agreements, granting it access to markets in 51 countries that collectively account for two-thirds of the global GDP.  (QNA)